Shining a light on how City of Hillsboro employees serve the community is important, and even more so when an employee is recognized across the state for their excellence.

That’s what recently happened to Hillsboro Public Library supervisor Rocío Espinoza-Cotero. 

The Children’s Services Division of the Oregon Library Association honored Rocío with its 2023 Evelyn Sibley Lampman Award for outstanding service in the fields of children’s literature and library service.

Only one person in Oregon is recognized with this award each year, and in 2023 it went to one of Hillsboro's best. Congratulations Rocío! 

 

Rocío joined Hillsboro Public Library nearly 20 years ago and served as the Outreach Coordinator for the last four years before she was promoted to Library Supervisor in late 2022.

We asked Rocío to share a bit more about herself in her own words.  

Congratulations on your promotion to supervisor. When did you first know you wanted the responsibilities that come with the position?

Thank you so much. I’m very happy and excited to step into this role, especially because I can support and advocate outreach services at a different level and empower the next Outreach Coordinator. 

My decision was based on the desire to expand library services and engage with other organizations where partnerships can grow long-term; to seek opportunities where the Library can better serve our community and thrive in its mission – for everyone/ para todos.

What goals are you focusing on?

Hiring and training an Outreach Coordinator is first and foremost, so the Library on the Loose continues to serve our community without a gap in service. Summer is around the corner, and we’ll be visiting several parks to bring Summer Reading activities to the community. 

Also, I am focusing on assessing and reevaluating our Mobile Outreach Services Plan to expand the reach of the library and continue to bridge gaps of access in the community. Of course, all of this supports library operations. 

 

What experiences in your life led you to work in the Hillsboro Public Library?

I originally studied literature and folk dance, so I saw myself creating literary and artistic pieces for the stage. 

When my family moved to Oregon, it wasn't easy to adjust. Still, my first jobs were at Centro Cultural as a folklore teacher and later as the Arts and Culture Coordinator, which gave me the opportunity to network with other organizations, including the Cornelius Public Library. 

One of the first programs I coordinated during my role at Centro Cultural was Children's Days, so I partnered with the Cornelius Public Library to create a community event, leading me into the library world. The library director gave me the opportunity to bring cultural programs to the library, and since then a new landscape has opened for me. I discovered that I could use my skills to serve the community. 

I would add that I value diversity, inclusion, and equity, and I found these values in libraries. Libraries provide spaces where everyone is welcome, regardless of age, origin, religious beliefs, etc. Anyone can access the services and will be treated with respect, dignity, and kindness. 

What else do you want people to know about you?

• I collect anything that has a picture of Frida Kahlo or her work.
• I love tacos al pastor and tortas de milanesa.
• My favorite Dewey decimal number is 641.5 – because I really like cookbooks.

What are the top questions patrons ask you?   

1.  Do you have to read a lot to work in a library? No, you don’t have to read a lot to work in a library. Any skill you have is welcome because the library serves the community in many ways. For example, if you are really good with technology, you can assist people with computers or any other electronic device. If you are creative or a hands-on crafty person, you can help people in our Collaboratory, which has sewing machines, 3D printers, and more. 

2.  What else besides books does the library offer? The library has so many things besides books. You can attend storytimes, practice your language skills online or in person, check out a guitar from the Library of Things, attend an event or program, and book a notary, to name a few.

3.  How much is the cost to get a library membership? There is no cost, library services are free. 

 

Meet More City of Hillsboro Public Library Employees

• Meet Tammy Wallin: Library Director
• Meet Salomon Hernandez: Library Outreach Coordinator
• Meet Katherine Knox & Laura Mikowski: Library Access Team Members
• Meet Jessica Gagnon: Library Data Analyst
• Meet Magdianamy (Magdy) Carrillo-Sotomayer: Library Manager
• Meet Emily Craft: Administrative Supervisor at Hillsboro Public Library
• Meet Rocio Espinoza-Cotero: Library Supervisor
• Meet Brendan Lax: Librarian

Meet More City of Hillsboro Employees

• Meet Robby Hammond: City Manager
• Meet Rahim Harji: Deputy City Manager
• Meet Simone Brooks: Assistant City Manager
• Meet Suzanne Linneen: Chief Financial Officer
• Meet Marcus Ford: Community Engagement Manager
• Meet Eunice Makinde: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Manager
• Meet Robin Straughan: Sustainability & Resiliency Manager
• Meet Danny Morato: Supplier Diversity Administrator
• Meet Kevin Ferguson: Lead Building Inspector
• Meet Elizabeth Pereira: HiLight Senior Customer Service Representative
• Meet Danielle Comer: Address Data Coordinator
• Meet Beatriz Medel: Bilingual Communication Specialist
• Meet Mely Gutmann: Little Sprouts Instructor
• Meet Karl LeClair: Public Art Supervisor
• Meet Jessica Stark: Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation Supervisor
• Meet Chris Barry: Development Services Manager
• Meet Kristi Wilson: Workforce Development Manager
• Meet The Day Porters Team from the Hillsboro Public Works Department
• Meet Bridie Harrington: Cultural Arts District Manager